Why financial resilience is at the heart of Small Charity Week 2025

Each year, Small Charity Week is a moment to celebrate the incredible impact and role of small charities. It’s no surprise to anyone that small charities are under increasing pressure, often doing more than ever, with less than ever.

This year, from 23-28 June 2025, Small Charity Week has a vital theme at its core: financial resilience and sustainability.

Why financial resilience matters now

The landscape for small charities is shifting fast.

Politically, economically, socially, and technologically, what was true even five years ago looks completely different today.

The cost of delivering services is rising. Income is falling. Demand is surging.

The pressure is relentless.

Challenges facing small charities

We talk about small charities as if they are one thing, a big group that experiences things the same way.

That isn’t true. Small charities are incredibly diverse. They can be place-based or issue-focused, rooted in lived experience or driven by community voice. They might be running food banks, youth clubs, church groups, choirs, community gardens, swimming pools, or digital mental health hubs.

Some are tiny hyper-local organisations. Others are part of national networks. But what they all have in common is that they’re at the heart of our communities. When others shy away, they continue to show up for those who need it: both in moments of need and joy.

Too many charities right now are running on empty.

Falling income and rising costs

Despite making up around 80% of the sector, organisations with an annual income under £100,000 receive just 3% of the total income available.

Limited resources and surging demand

Behind these numbers are real people: the team members burning out, volunteers giving up their precious time and skills. The communities they support are facing more complex needs with fewer resources.

Defining financial resilience

Financial resilience isn’t just about being able to keep the lights on.

It’s about building an organisation that can survive. It means making decisions that drive forward your mission and protect your people. It’s about building reserves where you can, diversifying income streams and planning for uncertainty.

For funders and policy makers, it’s about listening, funding properly, and covering the true cost of delivery. For government at all levels, it’s about meeting small charities where they are, and backing the infrastructure that helps them survive and thrive.

What’s happening this Small Charity Week?

This year, we’re proud to be:

• working in partnership with Big Give and Global’s Make Some Noise to deliver a match funding campaign. For 189 selected charities, every pound donated by the public will be doubled, providing a much-needed financial boost.

• delivering practical events, workshops and resources to build skills and strengthen networks.

• raising awareness to remind the public, government and funders how much small charities matter.

How you can take part

If you’re a small charity, this week is for you.

Take part. Run an event. Share your story.

Connect with others. Show your community what you do and why it matters.

Don’t forget to access the guidance, tools and support available from NCVO and across the sector.

If you’re not a small charity but want to help: you can. Whether it’s your money, time, skills, or simply your voice, there’s something everyone can give. And if you’re a decision-maker at a council, in government, or in a funding body then this is your moment to lean in, listen and act.

Engage with the charities on your doorstep. Fund them fairly. Make space for them in policy conversations.

The voluntary sector isn’t a nice-to-have. For millions of people across the UK, small charities are the safety net they rely on.

If you’re looking to build your own organisation’s resilience, we’d love to help. You can access a wide range of support on the NCVO website.

From 23 June to 31 July, we’re offering 50% off membership for organisations with an income between £30,000 and £500,000 using the code SCW50. If your income is under £30,000, membership is completely free.

Conclusion

Small Charity Week is first and foremost a celebration, but it’s also a rallying cry. Let’s celebrate and work together towards a future where small charities aren’t just surviving, but thriving.